Imagine sinking your teeth into a flaky, golden pastry filled with luscious cream cheese and sweet, vibrant strawberries. The Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes are not only a feast for your taste buds but also a delight for the eyes. With their heart shape, they bring a touch of love to any breakfast or brunch table.
Every bite is an explosion of flavors, where creamy meets fruity in the most delightful way. These danishes are perfect for celebrating special occasions or just treating yourself on a lazy Sunday morning. Trust me; you’ll want to make these again and again.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This recipe combines simplicity with elegance, making it perfect for bakers of all levels
- The balance of cream cheese and strawberries creates an irresistible flavor profile
- Their charming heart shape adds visual appeal, making them ideal for celebrations or brunches
- These danishes are versatile enough to customize with various fillings based on your preferences
One time, I made these Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes for my best friend’s birthday party, and the crowd went wild!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Puff Pastry: Use store-bought puff pastry for easy preparation; thaw it according to package instructions before using.
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Cream Cheese: Opt for full-fat cream cheese for a rich and creamy filling that complements the strawberries beautifully.
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Fresh Strawberries: Select ripe strawberries for their natural sweetness; chop them into small pieces to mix well with the cream cheese.
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Sugar: A bit of granulated sugar enhances the sweetness of the strawberries while adding creaminess to the filling.
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Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract adds depth and warmth to the cream cheese filling; avoid imitation vanilla if possible.
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Egg Wash: An egg wash made from beaten egg gives the pastries a beautiful golden color when baked.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper while waiting for it to heat.
Prepare the Puff Pastry: Roll out your thawed puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Cut into heart shapes using a cookie cutter or knife, ensuring even sizes.
Create the Filling: In a mixing bowl, blend softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Fold in chopped strawberries gently so they stay intact.
Assemble Your Danishes: Place a spoonful of the strawberry-cream cheese mixture in the center of each heart-shaped pastry. Fold over edges towards the center and pinch gently to seal.
Apply Egg Wash: Beat an egg in a small bowl and brush it over each assembled danish. This step will give them that stunning golden finish when baked.
Bake Until Golden Brown: Bake in your preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until they puff up beautifully and turn golden brown. The aroma will make you want to dive right in!
These Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes are not just food; they’re edible hugs shaped like hearts! Perfectly flaky on the outside and creamy on the inside, they’ll steal your heart—and your taste buds! Enjoy them warm with coffee or tea, or share them at your next gathering—just don’t be surprised if they disappear in seconds!
You Must Know
- This delightful Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes recipe brings joy with every bite
- The flaky pastry combined with creamy filling and sweet strawberries creates a perfect morning treat
- You can personalize the filling to your liking, making it a versatile favorite for any occasion
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven while preparing the cream cheese filling and strawberries to streamline your cooking process. Roll out the pastry dough, assemble the danishes, and then bake until golden brown for best results.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to mix things up by adding lemon zest or almond extract to the cream cheese filling. You can also swap strawberries for raspberries or blueberries for a fun twist that suits your taste.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover danishes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To reheat, pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to restore their flaky texture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use fresh strawberries for maximum flavor; they make all the difference in these danishes
- Don’t overfill the pastries, as they may burst while baking
- Lastly, brush with an egg wash before baking for a shiny finish that’s picture-perfect!
I still remember the first time I made these Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes. My friends couldn’t get enough and accused me of being a professional baker!
FAQ
Can I use frozen strawberries for this recipe?
Yes, but thaw and drain excess moisture before using them in the filling.
How long do these danishes last?
They stay fresh at room temperature for about two days if stored properly.
Can I make these danishes ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble them and refrigerate overnight before baking in the morning for fresh treats.
Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
Strawberry Cream Cheese Heart Danishes are a charming and delicious pastry perfect for any occasion. With flaky puff pastry enveloping a creamy filling of rich cream cheese and sweet strawberries, these heart-shaped treats are bound to steal hearts at breakfast or brunch. Ideal for celebrations or simply indulging on a cozy weekend morning, they offer an irresistible blend of flavors that will keep you coming back for more.
Ingredients
- 1 sheet puff pastry (thawed)
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup fresh strawberries (chopped)
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 egg (for wash)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll out the thawed puff pastry on a floured surface and cut into heart shapes.
- In a bowl, mix softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Gently fold in chopped strawberries.
- Spoon the filling into the center of each heart-shaped pastry. Fold edges towards the center and pinch to seal.
- Brush the tops with beaten egg for a golden finish.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown and puffed.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 danish (70g)
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
